Final answer:
Iatrogenic diseases result from medical procedures, while nosocomial diseases are hospital-acquired. Arthur Kleinman's explanatory model highlights the importance of cultural understanding in healthcare. Sociological perspectives consider the cultural significance and the social construction of illness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Iatrogenic and Nosocomial Diseases
Iatrogenic diseases are illnesses that are a direct consequence of medical procedures. They can arise from various treatments such as wound care, catheterization, or surgeries especially if there's contamination at the site of treatment. An example includes acquiring necrotizing fasciitis from contaminated bandages. In contrast, nosocomial diseases are infections caught in hospital settings, often attributable to the high presence of pathogens and the potential for transmission through various means, including equipment and human contact, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems.
The Explanatory Model and Cultural Iatrogenesis
Arthur Kleinman's explanatory model suggests that understanding a patient's cultural background and personal beliefs about their illness can lead to more effective and tailored healthcare. This approach can reveal cultural iatrogenesis, the harmful effects on health due to cultural practices and beliefs. For instance, the practice of foot binding in ancient China represents a cultural maladaptation that had severe physical consequences for women, reflecting deeply ingrained cultural norms. Likewise, understanding attributions of illness, such as one believing their epilepsy to be caused by spirit possession, can inform a more holistic treatment plan.
Sociological Perspectives on Illness
From the work of sociologists Conrad and Barker, it's clear that illnesses hold cultural significance that goes beyond their biological impact. Our perceptions of illness and health are shaped by the cultural meaning of illness, and how these are socially constructed. Thus, the experience of illness is intertwined with societal norms and influences, shaping both the recognition and response to diseases within a community.